Upward pricing pressure in two-sided markets: Incorporating rebalancing effects

B-Tier
Journal: International Journal of Industrial Organization
Year: 2021
Volume: 74
Issue: C

Authors (3)

Cosnita-Langlais, Andreea (not in RePEc) Johansen, Bjørn Olav (not in RePEc) Sørgard, Lars (Norges Handelshøyskole (NHH))

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

In two-sided markets it is important to consider rebalancing effects following a merger, i.e. the impact of a change in margin on one side of the market, either due to a price change or to efficiency gains, on the pricing incentives on the other side. We propose modified versions for the indices of pricing pressure (UPP and GUPPI) that take this into account. We show that in two-sided markets where the cross-group externalities are positive the upward pricing pressure will typically be overstated if the rebalancing effect is ignored. Our approach explains why competition agencies should look at both sides of the market when assessing platform mergers.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:indorg:v:74:y:2021:i:c:s0167718720301156
Journal Field
Industrial Organization
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25